Overview & Reviews
Let's break out the old automotive etymology textbook for a fun and fascinating exposé on the Toyota MR2 Spyder. The 1,345-word biography of Kiichiro Toyoda and his company's origins in making electric looms has been removed for reasons of brevity. The middle bit regarding the car's name is more conveniently straight to the point, referring to the fact that it's a Midengine, Rear-drive, 2-seat sports car.
The Spyder part of the name has nothing to do with arachnids, and is instead a common alternate word for a convertible sports car. Ferrari and Fiat have used the more conventionally spelled Spider name in the past and Toyota clearly wanted to tap into this high pedigree of sporting vehicles for its new-for-2000 roadster. As the old saying goes, the name says it all.
Except in French etymology, which reveals that "MR2" pronounced phonetically en francais sounds like the word forÂ…excrement. Therefore, Toyota called this car simply "MR" in France. In the English-speaking world, it was nicknamed "Mister Two." Ah, isn't etymology fun?
Past MR2s were offered with T-top roofs, but the Spyder served as Toyota's first real attempt to take on the Mazda Miata's monopoly in the low-priced roadster segment. Featuring a 1.8-liter four-cylinder mounted directly behind the driver, and a low curb weight, the MR2 succeeded as a fun-to-drive drop top.
But in the all-important cute category, it missed the grade. It had the profile of a squared-off Boxster, the face of a frog and a tail that resembled a Pokemon (especially when painted yellow). Also, the interior looked extremely dated before it was even introduced and its trunk made the Miata's look like a B-52's bomb bay. Although it was initially a hot commodity, the Toyota MR2 Spyder was a low-volume niche vehicle like its predecessors until the ax fell on it in 2005.
Most Recent Toyota MR2 Spyder
The Toyota MR2 Spyder was introduced for 2000 in only one well-equipped trim level. Antilock brakes, 15-inch wheels, air-conditioning, a glass rear window, power windows and locks, and a CD stereo were standard equipment. The mid-mounted 1.8-liter inline-4 was rated at 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission available was a five-speed manual.
In 2002, Toyota introduced the five-speed Sequential Manual Transmission or SMT for the MR2, making it the cheapest car at the time (by a long shot) to offer a true automated clutch manual. We found this option easy to use and liked the way it matched revs on downshifts, even though it sapped some acceleration from the engine. Without a fully automatic mode, however, the SMT's value was questionable. Given this, along with potential durability concerns, we suggest that used MR2 Spyder buyers stick with the regular five-speed manual.
For 2003, the MR2 Spyder underwent its midlife freshening with minor changes to the front and rear fascias and instrument panel. The SMT was upgraded to six speeds, while the rear tires grew to 16 inches.
In reviews, we found the Toyota MR2 Spyder very enjoyable to drive. In a roadster comparison test in 2000, it finished higher than the Miata by being more fun and tossable at the track. Its midengine layout meant it could lose its composure at the limit, but generally it went through turns quite nicely. The steering was quick and responsive, although the electrically assisted rack didn't provide as much road feel as other cars in this class.
We also never got used to the styling or interior design, and found its storage capacity laughable. The front-mounted "trunk" was taken up by the spare tire and the storage compartment behind the seats was very small and difficult to access.
Past Toyota MR2 Spyder models
The Toyota MR2 Spyder technically lasted for just one generation: from 2000-'05. From 1985-'95, there were two generations of the MR2: a midengine, two-seat coupe. A T-top was available, but there was no full convertible.
User Reviews:
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A great mid-engine sports car - the MR2 - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Robinsonimages - August 26 - 1:16 pmI will most likely keep my MR2 till I can not drive any more. Sure there are better sports cars, bt you can not get a better one for the price and the gas mileage 25-34 mpg
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This car is a blast!!!! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By heavyd - August 18 - 10:00 amWe use this car for day trips as as a commuter. Fantastic fuel economy. Fun to drive, very responsive. Gets many looks from everyone. Quality is high and so far it has been very reliable.
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How old am I again??? - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By 49YrOldKidAgain - August 9 - 10:00 amI wanted a car for ME. I got one. I have had so much fun driving my convertible and love to see heads turn to see what it is Im driving! To put the top down and just hit the trail is awesome. You definitely learn how to pack light and take your bare essentials, but I knew that when I bought it. I went, I saw, I bought, and Im still excited and having a blast.
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Fun car to drive - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By maestrowork - July 12 - 10:00 amThe handling is superb. The ride solid and comfortable. Visibility is fine for a 2-seater roadster. Cornering is great. The 1.8L 140hp engine delivers (because of the cars lightweight). For $24K, it comes with 4-disc ABS, leather, engine immoblizer, CD player, glass rear window with defroster, and the SMT is great to drive. Most of all, its just so much fun to drive. If having a blast with the top down, living life and enjoying a great drive in the country is your primary goal (and without breaking the bank), this is the car for you.
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love my car! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By tracyshomes - June 7 - 10:00 amI love my new sporty car, the reliabilty of a toyota, the beautiful color, the handling and safety...its quick, cute,and turns heads. You can put the top up or down in 3 seconds flat at a stop light.
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First Impressions - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Nitz16 - June 1 - 2:00 amThese are my first impressions: This car is very fun to drive, and surprisingly roomy and comfortable inside for an avg size person. I bought it used with 8K on it. Obviously its a Porche wannabe, but some of us are not going to spend twice as much for essentially the same ride, or for a summer fun car, so I think it is a good value.
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Great convertible for the price - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By spiketron - May 30 - 2:00 amFor the price, you cant be it, plus its a Toyota! Handles well and corners on a dime, without any sliding or swaying. This is a great second car, as storage is non-existent (you dont realize how important this is until you dont have it and you need it, trust me).
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fun fun - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By dreasy420 - May 21 - 10:00 amthis car is great fun to drive turns alot of heads look good for summer buy this ride
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MR2 ROADSTER (Spyder) - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Paul McDonald - May 19 - 1:36 pmLove it to death, its fast, its nice to look at and its a convertible...It turns heads what more do you want.
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Fun Times - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By SpyderMom - May 15 - 10:00 amThis is a car to just have fun in, no more carrying around kids. Wonderful to drive, great with the gas prices being so high, fill it up about every 2 weeks. Good on the freeways, great around town.
